CTV loses bid to reshape MuchMusic

CTV has lost a bid before the CRTC to reshape the music programming that airs on its MuchMusic specialty channel to compensate for audience fragmentation and competition from new technologies.

The TV watchdog said no to including up to 25% lifestyle programming in MuchMusic’s schedule, and changing the number of music videos that air in the broadcast week.

The CRTC also denied a request to change the dollars the specialty channel contributes to the MuchFACT Fund.

At the same time, the CRTC did greenlight the airing of more feature films on MuchMusic.

Rival Rogers Broadcasting opposed the CTV application for changes to MuchMusic’s programming mandate, arguing they would allow the specialty channel to shift from a music-based service to a lifestyle TV service targeting young adults.